VAYU Interview with
Air Chief Marshal Birender Singh Dhanoa, Chief of the Air Staff, IAF
In this composite picture, Air Chief Marshal BS Dhanoa, the CAS IAF is seen with the six fighter types currently in operational service with the IAF : MiG-21, MiG-27, MiG-29, Jaguar, Mirage 2000 and Su-30MKI
VAYU : You have repeatedly flagged the issue of IAF’s falling fighter numbers. Are the combination of Rafale, Light Combat Aircraft and the proposed ‘Make in India’ single-engine fighter assessed as sufficient to address this quantitative shortfall in the near-to- medium term? Kindly elucidate on mitigating strategies in place, given the present geo-political scenario and palpable concern about threats on both the western and north eastern borders.
CAS: Our focus is on required Capability Development to counter a two front threat. The IAF is prepared 24x7 for any threat and is ready for a befitting response to any contingency. The IAF has already proposed a roadmap to the MOD for induction of fighter aircraft to build up to the sanctioned strength of 42 fighter squadrons and also modernisation. Augmenting the strength of our fighter squadrons is our top priority. To achieve this, the IAF is looking at new inductions and mid-life upgrades. Towards this, MiG-29, Jaguar and Mirage 2000 aircraft are being upgraded in a phased manner to enhance their combat capability. Weapon shortfalls are being made good. The induction of fighter aircraft contracted for includes the Light Combat Aircraft, Rafale and the balance of Su-30MKI aircraft. Acceptance of Necessity (AoN) has also been granted for procurement of LCA Mk.1A. Further, the Government of India plans to procure fighter aircraft through the ‘Strategic Partnership’ model and other suitable options are also being considered to ensure that the IAF attains Tejas Light Combat Aircraft at Yelahanka the authorised strength of fighter squadrons. If all the inductions take place as planned, the IAF is expected to achieve its authorised strength of fighter squadrons by end of the 15th Plan (2032).
VAYU : At what stage is the ‘Make in India’ single-engine fighter programme, and what steps remain before technical and commercial offers can be accepted, deliberated and acted upon?
Tejas Light Combat Aircraft at Yelahanka
CAS: The procurement of the Single Engine Fighter Aircraft is envisaged under the ‘Fighter Aircraft Segment’ of the recently issued ‘Strategic Partnership’ model of Chapter VII of the Defence Procurement Procedure-2016. The Request for Information for the acquisition is about to be issued. Timelines as per the DPP will be followed.
VAYU : Earlier, officials from HAL and Russia’s UAC revealed plans to upgrade the Su-30MKI. What will be the extent of the IAF’s involvement in such a programme, and what is the time-frame envisioned for the induction of these upgraded Sukhois?
CAS: The operational and technical requirements for upgrading the Su-30 MKI to increase its operational capability are being finalised. A Project Team of the IAF will oversee the implementation of the project. The timeline of at least 5 years is expected for completion of the Design and Development activities. Series modification of the aircraft to the upgraded standard will commence thereafter at HAL Ozhar.
VAYU : The Indo-Russian FGFA/ PMF programme also appears sluggish. Is the IAF reviewing alternatives – whether domestic or foreign - and could you share a roadmap for induction of next-generation fighters?
CAS: The case for procurement of the Fifth Generation Fighter Aircraft (FGFA) from Russia is with the MoD. The IAF is supporting the indigenous Advance Medium Combat Aircraft (AMCA) programme wholeheartedly. This programme is at the D&D phase. The procurement of the Single ngine Fighter Aircraft is envisaged under the ‘Strategic Partnership’ model
VAYU : A scale model of the Advanced Medium Combat Aircraft (AMCA) was unveiled as far back as 2009 by ADA. Given the lessons of the three-decade-plus LCA programme, what obstacles is the IAF looking specially to avoid with this R&D programme, and how, different, if at all, will the IAF’s approach be to this programme?
CAS: All lessons learnt from the LCA programme will be incorporated in the AMCA programme to ensure speedy timelines. Realistic goals have also been set to ensure that the programme moves as envisaged.
Jaguar Maritime Strike aircraft at a forward airbase
VAYU : The Jaguar in IAF service has been progressively upgraded, and a third major upgrade is currently under development in the form of DARIN III. However, there has been little movement on the issue of new engines for this aircraft. Is the effort to re-engine the Jaguar still active, and if so, what is the status of the project?
CAS: Yes. The project is presently at Contract Negotiation Committee (CNC) stage.
VAYU : It is understood that supply of MiG-29 upgrade kits from Russia have delayed the MiG-29 UPG programme. What are the IAF’s options at this point to ensure completion of this upgrade effort?
CAS: In the last one year, owing to the proactive measures undertaken by the MoD/ IAF in various high level forums such as IRIGC-MTC and the positive response by the RAC ‘MiG’, there has been a significant impetus to the upgrade programme. RAC ‘MiG’ is in the process of delivering the upgrade kits and is likely to complete the delivery soon.
VAYU : You recently visited France and flew a 2v2 engagement in a Rafale B fighter. Please share your impression from the cockpit! Is the IAF looking to expand its order beyond the 36 already contracted for, and if so, what are the procedural steps required to make this happen?
CAS: My flying mission reassured me that the Rafale aircraft is a capable, technologically advanced and a versatile weapon platform. The decision to buy Rafale aircraft was taken by the Government to meet the IAF’s critical operational necessity. For further build up, we are focussed on the single-engine fighter programme.
The Air Chief flew the Rafale in July 2017
VAYU : The ‘Avro replacement’ programme has been protracted. What has caused this delay, and what is the expected outcome? Can this programme be expanded to encompass the ‘An-32’ replacement case?
CAS: The HS 748 ‘Avro replacement’ programme is the first initiative of the GOI in the defence sector towards the ‘Make in India’ programme. This is the first time a private industry will be manufacturing a world-class tactical airlift transport aircraft in India. The ‘Avro replacement’ programme was delayed initially after the issue of Request for Proposal (RFP) due to several factors. Thereafter, the case has progressed and the technical field evaluation has been completed. The case is presently at the Contract Negotiation Committee (CNC) stage. In this programme, 16 aircraft will be delivered in flyaway condition from the 2nd to the 4th year after the contract signature and 40 aircraft will be manufactured in India. The replacement of the An-32 aircraft will be reviewed prior to its phasing out and based on the capabilities of ‘Avro replacement’ aircraft at that point of time.
VAYU : Notwithstanding the more ‘expeditionary’ posture of most western air arms, the IAF operates a disproportionately small number of tankers, AEW aircraft, SIGINT platforms and so on. A number of acquisition programmes in these areas have been aborted or stalled over the years. Is this simply a matter of budgetary prioritisation or procedural issues? Does the lack of support/special mission aircraft give any cause for concern?
CAS: The IAF’s Force Structuring is guided by the Long Term Integrated Perspective Plan (LTIPP), which caters for the emerging threats and expected response. The critical equipment is given due prioritisation and the IAF is modernising at a fast pace. The IAF is ready 24x7 to respond to any contingency that threatens our national interests.
Dassault Rafale with afterburners on at Aero India 2017